5.30.2011

Mix together hot sunshine plus cold drinks, a splash of refreshing swimming pool water, a dab of sunscreen, and a dish full of delicious food. Stir in big smiles and lots of laughs, and enjoy until nightfall.

We had a wonderful day today, spending time with family at the beautiful Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club on the lovely Tennessee River. It's days like these that really make me appreciate the freedom that we Americans enjoy....I am forever grateful to the brave service men and women that fight for our country.

5.25.2011

Guess who ran into a celebrity today, right here on Court Street in Florence, Alabama? ME! ME! ME!

As my friend Pamela and I pushed our sweet babies in the hot, summer sun, we spotted the amazingly talented John Paul White....Shoals native and one half of the duo The Civil Wars.

Please tell me you've heard of them? If not, you are missing out on something really special. The Civil Wars have been heavily praised by everyone from The LA Times to the New York Post. Paste Magazine has named them "The Best of What's Next." They just finished touring with the magnificent Adele. And I even wrote about them here. Yep, The Civil Wars are kind of a big deal.

Here's what went down today on my celebrity encounter:

Ashley: "Heeeeey! Aren't you John Paul?"

JPW: Why, yes I am.

Ashley: "Oh! I'm a huge fan. I'm going to see your concert in July. Can we take a picture together?"

5.22.2011

A boy is Truth with dirt on it's face,
Beauty with a cut on its finger,
Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair,
and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket.
-- Author Unknown

Hudson and Easton are great buddies, just like their moms. The four of us had a ball on a sunny afternoon: playing in the park with the ducks, riding the train through the green trees, and strolling through historic downtown Tuscumbia. We meandered into little boutiques, smiling as friendly faces complimented our beautiful boys, and laughing as little Easton shocked his Auburn fan Mom by secretly grabbing a houndstooth Alabama baby gown from a store shelf and attempting to roll out the door with it tucked safely into his stroller.

After we had explored the city streets, we stopped into The Palace for grilled cheese and ice cream. Dining inside the building, originally built in the 1800's and still outfitted with a vintage soda fountain, it is easy to feel like you are in perfectly idyllic small-town America. The Palace's "Harvey" Milkshake is even featured on "The 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die". Yum Yum.

This was the perfect kind of day...the kind where I find myself reflecting on how much I love being the mother of a sweet little boy. I love that he has his very own special personality...loving and kind and joyful. I love watching him interact with his tiny little friends, hugging and laughing and playing.

This little boy of mine is such a blessing in my life. I wake up every morning so happy to spend every second with him. I can't wait to see what we get into tomorrow.